While nearly everyone agrees wind power is key to the state's energy future, deciding where to put the massive, spinning turbines is a turning out to be a much thornier issue.
As many as 3,000 turbines may be needed to reach Gov. Deval Patrick's goal of generating 2,000 megawatts of wind power by the year 2020. The state has just nine wind turbines now, producing less than seven megawatts a year.
Unlike other forms of green power, it's hard to hide a wind turbine -- particularly in a state as small and densely populated as Massachusetts with limited natural resources.
That's creating a dilemma for conservationists and environmentalists who support renewable energy, but also want to preserve the state's wildlife and scenic vistas.